Editorial: Meth bust may be tip of iceberg

A Northland police officer said it was something seen only in movies.

He was referring to the largest meth seizure in New Zealand history - all 448kg of it - which was last night upped by 46kg after the discovery of more meth concealed in sand dunes.

On Sunday morning, after locals reported suspicious activity, where later a 19-year-old campervan driver was stopped in Totara North with meth to the tune of $448 million.

One can only assume a more expensive cargo has never graced the roads of Kaitaia.

A former police officer yesterday theorised that those arrested were unlikely to be criminal masterminds, stating their movements were "very amateur".

Criminologist Greg Newbold also hinted the men appeared not to be seasoned professionals: "I would expect them to be a bit more savvy of the dangers of operating in small communities."

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner praised the work of New Zealand Customs.

Police Minister Judith Collins said the bust was "wonderful".

Prime Minister John Key said the police should be congratulated.

As they should.

However, I'd suggest authorities have been a little too quick to high-five themselves.

Thing is, from society's point of view, it'd be comforting to think we'd happened upon the motherload. But what if it's the tip of the meth iceberg? If those arrested yesterday were unprofessional, what are the professional guys shifting?

Perhaps this most recent in a recent spate of big hauls is indicative not of increased powers of investigation, but rather Kiwis' increased demand for this insidious scourge.